When you idolize a celebrity, you tend to build them up in your mind. You focus on the positive aspects of what they do, you watch their movies or read their interviews and love everything they say. You like to think of them as a perfect person in every aspect of their lives, but occasionally something happens that shatters this illusion. It can be hard to come to terms with this. Read on to learn how to cope when your idol comes under police investigation.

Steps

1

Acknowledge that your idol may have committed a crime. Whether it's a simple traffic violation like a speeding ticket or something more serious, acknowledge that it's possible that your idol could be guilty. Remember that police don’t investigate without something to investigate for. Occasionally police get it wrong, but this is rare. In any case, a police investigation can only have two outcomes, so prepare yourself for both of them in order to help yourself deal if it doesn't go as you hope.

2

Never publicly insist that your idol is innocent. You like him or her a lot, of course you want him or her to be innocent, and you can hope he or she is until the sun falls out of the sky, but you don’t know whether it’s true, and you probably never will. The only person that knows is your idol. Especially for the most popular celebrities, anything you read in the news will be speculation or hearsay, so it's hard to know what information you can trust. And when you publicly declare their innocence, you run the risk of being terribly wrong - and looking quite silly in the process. Letting go of your need to defend your idol to others will help you come to terms with their possible guilt.

3

Realize that your idol's present circumstances don't negate the past. It may seem that the person currently under police investigation and the person acting in all your favorite movies can't possibly be the same. But we all have two sides -- it is entirely possible that your idol is both the person that inspired you, cheered you up, soothed your pain, and made you laugh, and the nasty piece of work they now appear to be. Accept that this is probably the case and stop idealizing your idol as a person. But this doesn't have to affect how you view their work: especially with actors, you can still enjoy their movies, books, or productions without endorsing them as a person.

4

Don’t write telling your idol you love and support them. You should not support your idol unconditionally. Wait for the results of the police investigation before making up your mind as to how you now feel about your idol. If after the investigation has concluded you still idolize this person, then you can send them messages of support, but even then, think carefully before you do this.

5

Change your opinions according to the results of the investigation. If your idol is found innocent, be happy and relieved. Celebrate their innocence, but don't claim that you "knew it all along" - this will make you look obsessive and delusional, and it won't be true. If it turns out your idol is guilty, incorporate this new information into your evaluation of their character. For serious crimes, it may help to think of it as their early retirement, if he/she can never work again.

6

Be aware of the changes when you view their work. Especially if your idol is a singer or actor, you can still enjoy their work. Watch their films and get caught up in the character, rather than the actor. Divorce your idol's work from your idol himself, and learn to appreciate his work without needing to love or worship him.

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Warnings

You will probably be full of sheer rage and tears, perhaps nausea. This is normal. However, don't throw their work out and rip their photos. He/she didn’t harm you, and you’ll more than likely regret doing so later; after all, you enjoyed it before and probably did so for a long time. Wait until your rage dies down, then decide whether to keep it/get rid of it.

Remember that at the end of the day, as good as you think they are, they are somebody you admired who you’re unlikely to have met, they are not a loved one - they don't know you and won’t give a toss what you’re doing.

Don't forget about the rest of your life. You weren't born with an appreciation for your idol, nor will you die with it. It is one aspect out of tons more that make up your life.